Sauber F1 boss Jonathan Wheatley says what Christian Horner achieved at the helm of Red Bull was \u201cextraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n
But with that era over, Wheatley \u2013 Red Bull\u2019s former long-serving sporting director \u2013 reflected on it with pride. He is also \u201cglad\u201d for Max Verstappen after he reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jonathan Wheatley reflects on Christian Horner Red Bull era<\/p>\n A challenging 18 months for Horner as Red Bull\u2019s team leader came to an end shortly following the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n Red Bull announced that the 51-year-old had been dismissed with immediate effect. His replacement was confirmed as Laurent Mekies, who went from Racing Bulls team principal to Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal.<\/p>\n As a result, Alan Permane transitioned from Racing Bulls racing director to team boss.<\/p>\n Wheatley was one of the high-profile figures to depart Red Bull towards the end of Horner\u2019s tenure. Wheatley had been with the team since 2006, but took the opportunity to become team principal of Sauber, which will morph into the Audi F1 works team next year.<\/p>\n At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Wheatley was asked by Sky F1 for his reaction to the changes at Red Bull. He was also pressed for his thoughts on Verstappen.<\/p>\n Red Bull\u2019s reigning four-time World Champion had confirmed going into the race weekend that he would be staying for F1 2026, putting the Mercedes rumours to bed.<\/p>\n All 14 of Red Bull\u2019s championship wins came with Horner and Wheatley at the team.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I look back on it, I had a tremendous 19-year period there,\u201d said Wheatley.<\/p>\n \u201cLook at what Christian achieved in his leadership there. It\u2019s extraordinary. Nobody can take anything away from from that. What we achieved as a team was extraordinary.<\/p>\n \u201cMax\u2019s journey, I\u2019ve loved watching every single second of it. And I\u2019m glad for him that he feels comfortable and engaged moving forwards.<\/p>\n \u201cBut more than all of that, two great friends of mine have ended up taking the next step in their career as a result of it.<\/p>\n \u201cAlan Permane, we\u2019ve known each other for 34 years or something, since my first year in Formula 1. Now team principal at Racing Bulls.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd, of course, Laurent\u2019s opportunity to CEO and team principal at Red Bull.\u201d<\/p>\n More on the Red Bull re-shuffle from PlanetF1.com<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Who is Laurent Mekies? Christian Horner\u2019s Red Bull replacement<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49 Who is Alan Permane? Meet Racing Bulls\u2019 new team boss<\/a><\/p>\n Wheatley began his new chapter as Sauber team principal in April. The results have been impressive.<\/p>\n Running towards the back of the grid during the first stage of the season, Sauber has since become regular points scorers. Nico Hulkenberg even collected his long-awaited first Formula 1 podium at Silverstone.<\/p>\n